The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-11-17

| "Your Jest as much mistaken as II you'(
lost your birthday. First one that starts
into the water will feel VOLTS hair rop'
around his neck. Then, We'll both gral
holt an jerk him down into the water
Then, We'll drag him here an beat hin
scan'lous. We're goin' to fight in peace o.
know the reason whyr'
''You bet!'' agreed the Indian.
The school police consulted excitedly fol
a time, and ended by agreeing to remain il
their present location.
Then the battle began. The lads struck
bit, pinched and claved, till appearance:
seemed to predict that they would be tori
to useless pieces. The spectators ap
plauded vigorously and yelled with grea
unanimity whenever either Of the com
batants received a particularly energetic
blow.
Suddenly, the sunlight seemed blotted
out in an instant. The cloud-walI that, but
half an hour before, had looked no larger
than mans hand, now spread half across
| the heavens. Unobserved, it had risen
with race-horse rapidity. Depending from
it was long, tail-like funnel of inky black
ness. AS the sun was hidden, all looked
toward the coming cloud and hostilities in
| stantly ceased.
With rush and sullen roar, the water
spout whirled toward them, down the
course of the "brauch." AS they looked
| it burst, and the tons of water it bore were
precipitated into the ''branch," but short
distance above them.
''Come ashore!' yelled Sn,udge. "Come
ashore, right smart, or yer goners" Even
as the two started to wade to the bank,
the rushing Of the wall Of waters
could be plainly heard. A moment later it
was upon them. The Indian quickly un-
loosened the lariat and, whirling an end
shoreward, he yelled: "Catchl'' The police
grabbed the end and drew in, hand-over-
hand. "Grab on!" he cried to Fin.
But the waters reached them, rose to
their waists, their shoulders, over their
heads, and Fin was swept away. The lads
pulled bravely, and, in spite OF the power
Of the food, drew the young half-breed out
on shore. All that could be seen OF Fin
was his round, bullet head, bobbing about
in the turbid, angry waters of the swollen
branch" 1t became evident to the
drenched knot of lads, huddled on the
bank and casting frightened glances at the
fast-disappearing head, that Fin could not
swim stroke. A few moments, at most,
was all he had to live, and, at the thought,
their chins quivered in impotent fear.
away at the top of his speed, winding up
the dragging hair lariat as he ran. Not
knowing what else to do, the rest of the
boys ran after him. He was bearing al
most directly away from the ''branch,"
and, it seemed evident that he intended to
leave Fin to his fate.
Hes a-goin to let him die" said Smudgc,
excitedly. oval, we can't do nuthin' to
help it. But, it seems mighty tough"
That's what" agreed another. "Still,
mebby he orter, 'cordin' to Injun law. Look
how Fin pestered an tormented himr'
yes" returned Smudge, as they ran.
'Mebbe he ort, but it's tough. Watts
he a-runnin' fer!"
Dunno, lessen it's not to see Fin die.
Wat are we a-runnin' ferl"
"Same reason, reggin."
''Looky thar!" cried Smudge. "He's
a-turnin' ~
1t was true. The Indian was bearing a
little to the right now, and running with
redoubled speed. His purpose was plain.
"He's a-makin' fer the cutoff" said one.
That was it. By following the winding
course of the "branch'' the Indian could
not hope to come up with the rapid waters
that bore the boy. But, by hurrying across
the quarter of a mile of prairies that lay
between the little island and the point
where the "branch" made long, sweeping
curve, he could intercept the floating body. |
"He's a-hurryin' to see Fin float past |
He's gittin' even, fer sure"
THAT'S wa't!''
cpd hate to do it."
"Me, toor'
The young Indian had reached the bank, |
and stood with his cleaning eyes gazing |
up stream. The hair lariat, neatly coiIed, |
was held in his right hand.
''Yere comes Fin ~ called one of the lads, |
as they reached the Indians side. Borne |
onward by the flood, he seemed inert, sense |
less, dead, perhaps. He was almost abreast |
Of them, and, in another moment, would be |
gone.
"Look at the Injun's eyes" whispered |
Smudge. "See 'em blazel He's gittin' |
sven, but its tough"
THAT'S whatr' returned the one ad- |
dressed. Then, as Fins body was almost |
opposite them, the Indian seemed galvanized |
INTO new life. Swiftly the hair lariat was |
vhirlcd about his head. There was quick, |
Jerking motion of his arm, and the loop shot |
,ut over the rushing, turbid waters toward |
Fin. An instant it seemed to hang sus-
pended in the air, then it dropped unerring-
y about the head bobbing on the water. A |
irm jerk drew it tight about the boys |
leck. Then. at motion from the Indian, /
he police laid hold. In a moment more,
Fin McGonigal was lying, limp and sense
aSs IN the hank